Wednesday November 19, 2025 | OTTAWA, ON [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC | 4 pm PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
On Monday November 17 — just hours ahead of the(ultimately successful) budget vote in the House of Commons — Prime Minister Mark Carney held a virtual meeting with Canada’s premiers. He gave them an update on the Liberal government’s work to transform the Canadian economy.
Various premiers afterward stated that they support the strategy and/or Budget 2025.
In the news release from the Prime Minister’s Office on November 17 (see below, it stated that Carney highlighted the central role of nation-building projects in the mission to transform the Canadian economy, and that premiers discussed removing provincial trade barriers.
Today BC’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth did make an announcement about interprovincial trade [separate link to come].
Prime Minister Carney concludes First Ministers’ Meeting
November 17, 2025
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met virtually with provincial and territorial premiers. The Prime Minister updated the premiers on the government’s work to transform the Canadian economy – from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is more resilient to global shocks, built on the solid foundation of strong Canadian industries, and bolstered by diverse international trade partners. He outlined how Budget 2025 will drive this transformation, through its core strategy to enable $1 trillion in total investment into Canada over the next five years. First Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together to build a strong economy.
The Prime Minister highlighted the central role of nation-building projects in this mission. He underscored the strong collaboration underway to advance major projects across Canada, including those referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO). First Ministers discussed the recent announcement of a second tranche of projects referred to the MPO – projects that will underpin national strategies, namely: realising Canada’s full potential as an energy superpower; creating new trade and economic corridors to diversify our economy; building our leadership in critical minerals to increase our independence; and establishing our data sovereignty at a scale to serve Canadians safely and securely. Combined with the first tranche announced in September, these projects represent more than $116 billion in investments and tens of thousands of new careers. First Ministers also addressed next steps to streamline major project reviews, with several provinces already advancing draft cooperation agreements.
First Ministers also discussed continued efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers and facilitate the building of more affordable homes for Canadians – including through standardising building codes.
Prime Minister Carney updated the premiers on recent trade and security talks with international partners, including the United States, emphasising the federal government’s determination to secure the best deal for Canadians. He also outlined progress in strengthening Canada’s global trade relationships – highlighting advancements made during his recent trip to the Indo-Pacific and noting his upcoming travel to the United Arab Emirates and to the G20 Leaders’ Summit to build on this work.
The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to meet regularly, with the intent to meet in person in the new year.
===== RELATED:
- BC Premier Eby comments on first ministers meeting ahead of federal budget vote (November 17, 2025)
- NDP: Changes still being made to federal budget ahead of Monday’s vote (November 16, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: 45th PARLIAMENT of CANADA | BUDGET 2025 | COUNCIL of the FEDERATION